🦆 Mallard in the Sella River: the most common duck in Asturias
The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most common duck in northern Spain’s wetlands and rivers, and the only one that regularly breeds in Asturias. Along the banks of the Sella River, you’ll often spot them swimming in pairs or resting in riverside vegetation, especially in spring.
With around 10,000 feathers between coverts and down, their plumage provides excellent insulation against cold and moisture. They are medium-sized birds: measuring between 50 and 65 cm, and weighing 800–1,500 g (males) and 700–1,300 g (females).
🪺 Breeding in the Sella River Environment
Breeding takes place in quiet, sheltered areas along the river. Females choose spots close to the water, well hidden among vegetation, where they build their nest using their own down feathers.
- Laying begins around March. Females lay 7 to 16 greenish or beige eggs.
- They usually start by laying about 4 eggs, one per day, while checking for predators.
- If the area is safe, they complete the clutch and begin incubation, which lasts 25 to 28 days.
- During trips away from the nest, the female carefully covers the eggs with grass and straw to hide them from threats.
🔍 Differences Between Male and Female
The Male Mallard is Very Striking:
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Iridescent bottle-green head.
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Orange bill with a black stripe.
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White collar separating the green head from the dark brown chest.
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Light gray belly and flanks.
The female, on the other hand, is more discreet and camouflaged in mottled brown tones, which helps her stay hidden during incubation and protect the nest.
🌿 Where to spot them on the Sella River?
You can see mallards year-round along stretches of the river with abundant vegetation and calm waters, especially near Ribadesella, Arriondas, or Cangas de Onís. They’re easy to recognize by their silhouette while swimming and their unmistakable low, fast flight.
Tag: real duck – wildlife river sella
